Downtown Travel Guide
Iowa City
Popular places to visit
University of Iowa
Enjoy the student vibe when you visit University of Iowa during your trip to Iowa City. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.
University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics
If University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Iowa City.
Old Capitol Museum
Gaze up at the emblematic golden dome that tops the roof of a historic building containing the region’s cultural gems.
Iowa Old Capitol Building
You can find out about the history of Iowa City with a visit to Iowa Old Capitol Building. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.
University of Iowa Museum of Natural History
Marvel at a gigantic whale skeleton, see an impressive cyclorama of a Hawaiian bird island and spot the giant panda.
The Englert Theater
You can enjoy a show at The Englert Theater during your trip to Iowa City. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.
Things to do
Self-Guided Iowa Scavenger Hunt: City of Literature
Self-Guided Iowa Scavenger Hunt: City of Literature
Top hotels in Downtown
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
Very good breakfast
Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026
Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
Parking was convenient and plentiful just not attached to hotel itself. Staff was consistently friendly, helpful, & attentive to any question we had. Absolute gem in the perfect location.
Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026
Hilton Garden Inn Iowa City Downtown University
Everything is great but the lobby bar is lacking
Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026
Element Iowa City
We did not try the breakfast. Parking was closed and easy to use.
Reviewed on 12 Apr 2026
Drury Inn & Suites Iowa City Coralville
Stayed here multiple times when in the area. The hotel is always clean and service is wonderful. The complementary drinks and appetizers in the evening are great. Will definitely stay again when in town
Reviewed on 12 Apr 2026
Heartland Inn
I choose “average” because for $100@night in Iowa City, one would expect tha basics: clean, quiet enough, easy access to room, parking, temperature easily controlled, etc. all of these seemed to work well enough plus bed comfortable. Nothing particularly notable beyond that. If going for sports, ...
Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown
College Hill
While College Hill isn't home to many top sights, Iowa City Public Library and The Englert Theater are some notable places to visit nearby.
Miller Orchard
When in Miller Orchard, you can plan a visit to Kinnick Stadium and Old Capitol Museum, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Northside
Northside might not have many top sights, but Iowa Old Capitol Building and Old Capitol Museum are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Manville Heights
While Manville Heights may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Carver-Hawkeye Arena and Kinnick Stadium.
Goosetown
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Goosetown and surrounding area, you can visit The Englert Theater and Iowa City Public Library.
Mann
While visiting Mann, you might make a stop by sights like Iowa Old Capitol Building and Old Capitol Museum.
